Southern California -- this just in

Family of injured Giants fan asks for civility, help catching suspects in Dodger Stadium beating [Updated]

April 5, 2011 | 2:02
pm

The family of Giants fan Bryan Stow issued a call for civility among rival sports fans and asked people to help catch the two suspects.

At a news conference Tuesday outside County-USC Medical Center, where Stow remains in a coma due to a brain injury he sustained during a beating at the Dodger Stadium parking lot on opening day, the family thanked the public for their support and prayers. Stow is a father of two and a paramedic who made a road trip from Santa Cruz to attend the game.

"To know that people who have never met Bryan could care so much about him and his well-being has truly been overwhelming," said his cousin, John Stow, who wore a Giants hat and jersey as he spoke. "Though this has been a terrible tragedy done by cowardly people, it is reassuring to know that good people are speaking out and are appalled. We would like to use this as a rallying cry to stop unnecessary violence in our greatest pastime and all other sports, not only here but abroad."

He added: "This would be one of the greatest gifts you could give to us, especially Bryan. So I ask for one last thing on behalf of Bryan -- that we all enjoy a safe and competitive and exciting year of baseball and a successful Giants home-opening weekend at AT&T Park."

Stow's doctors also updated his condition, noting that even without sedation, he would be in a coma. They described his injuries as a severely fractured skull, which led to damage to the frontal lobe. Doctors removed the left side of his skull to allow his swollen brain to decompress.

[Corrected, 5:32 p.m.: A previous version of this post mischaracterized the injury to Stow's brain.]

"It's going to be a long recovery process," said Dr. Gabriel Zada, a neurologist who is treating Stow.

Bryan Stow's sister, Erin Collins, also thanked the people of Los Angeles for their support. "We know they weren't true Dodger fans," she said of the suspects.

Detectives also said they believe at least 100 people may have witnessed the attack. They and family members asked witnesses to come forward. Det. Jose Carrillo said he believes the two suspects may have assaulted three or four young men before beating Stow. The beating occurred in Parking Lot 2 at Dodger Stadium on Thursday night about 8:30 p.m. after the season opener while Stow was walking toward the taxi area.

The Los Angeles City Council voted Tuesday to offer a $50,000 reward for tips leading to the arrest of the suspects. The total reward is now $100,000.